Many mobile users across the UK are frustrated by the slow rollout and underwhelming performance of 5G, with some even feeling that connectivity is worsening. This sentiment is especially strong in London, which ranks as one of the slowest European cities for 5G speeds—75% slower than Lisbon. As the UK government sets its sights on becoming a “science and tech superpower” by 2030, it raises an important question: why are UK 5G speeds so slow, and what is being done to improve the situation?
Despite 5G’s potential to revolutionise everyday life and industries through ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and better connectivity, the UK’s rollout has been gradual. Coupled with structural challenges, spectrum limitations, and equipment complications, the cautious deployment has delayed the benefits that 5G can offer. However, plans are underway to address these issues, from expanding spectrum availability to deploying standalone 5G networks.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the slow 5G speeds in the UK and examine how improvements are set to unfold in the coming years.
The evolution of UK network technologies
Each mobile network generation —3G, 4G, and now 5G—has revolutionised connectivity. While 3G enabled basic browsing and apps, 4G supported high-quality video streaming and gaming. In contrast, 5G—operating on higher frequency bands—promises speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G, lower latency, and the capacity to support more simultaneous connections. This paves the way for advanced applications such as enhanced mobile broadband, smart cities, the Internet of Things (IoT), and autonomous vehicles.
However, the UK’s 5G rollout has been incremental, often built on 4G infrastructure, which limits 5G’s full potential. The phased deployment, with its focus on testing and regulatory oversight, has slowed down high-speed implementation. Additionally, as the country phases out older 3G networks and reallocates frequency bands, temporary disruptions in coverage occur.
Challenges slowing down UK 5G
Several factors contribute to the slow rollout and performance of 5G in the UK. One challenge has been the government’s decision to remove Huawei equipment, forcing telecom operators to replace it with hardware from other vendors like Nokia and Ericsson. This process is both time-consuming and expensive, causing significant delays in upgrading and expanding 5G networks.
Limited spectrum availability is another critical element. This is particularly relevant with regard to the high-frequency bands that enable ultra-fast 5G. Currently, most 5G networks in the UK operate on mid-band frequencies, which offer a good balance between coverage and speed but fall short of the higher millimeter-wave frequencies used in other countries. These higher frequencies are essential for unlocking the full potential of 5G, but their availability in the UK remains restricted, hindering performance.
The increase in mobile devices and data-heavy applications also strains and slows existing networks. Congestion is a problem, especially in urban areas where demand is highest, but rural areas can suffer, too, creating a rural-urban divide in network performance and speed. External factors such as modern building materials used in energy-efficient construction also block radio signals, leading to poor indoor reception, while weather conditions and environmental factors—particularly as we face more extreme climate events—can further disrupt signal quality.
Plans for improvement
Despite these challenges, significant improvements to UK 5G speeds are on the horizon as network infrastructure continues to evolve. One of the primary drivers will be the release of additional spectrum, particularly in the higher-frequency bands. This will enable greater data throughput and faster speeds, enhancing the overall 5G experience for users.
The UK government and telecommunications regulators are actively working to make more spectrum available for network operators, recognising that spectrum scarcity is a significant barrier to 5G performance. In addition, they are providing incentives to accelerate the deployment of 5G infrastructure, encouraging network operators to expand their coverage and invest in new technologies.
One of the most promising developments is the introduction of standalone 5G networks, which will be independent of existing 4G infrastructure. Standalone 5G will significantly enhance network performance, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and unlocking further benefits with real-time charging functionalities. This also provides better support for new applications like virtual reality and autonomous systems. As this technology becomes more widespread, UK consumers will begin to experience 5G’s true capabilities.
The road ahead for UK 5G
While a number of challenges have slowed the UK’s 5G progress compared to other countries, there is reason for optimism. As mobile network operators continue to expand and enhance their 5G networks, full rollout and enhancements are expected to follow over the coming years. However, the pace of progress will depend on continued investment, regulatory support, and the availability of new spectrum.
Ongoing efforts to release more spectrum, expand 5G networks, and continue infrastructure upgrades will help the UK catch up and realise the full potential of 5G. As these improvements take hold, users can expect faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connectivity, helping the UK achieve its ambition of becoming a leading science and tech superpower by 2030.
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